Chapter 7: A New Beginning

Henry walked back to his dorm after a long day of grueling workouts and intense practice. His body was sore, but there was a fire inside him now that he hadn't felt in years. It was the same fire that had fueled his passion for racing when he was younger. The fire that had kept him awake at night, dreaming of the F1 tracks, imagining the roar of the engines and the thrill of crossing the finish line.

But now, it wasn't a dream anymore. It was reality.

He'd made it.

His eyes locked onto the front gate of the academy as he walked. The thought of telling his family that he'd secured a spot at the F1 Academy and would be training to become a professional driver brought a smile to his face. He couldn't wait to see their reactions. His mother, who worked two jobs to keep the family afloat, would be over the moon. And his father… his father, who had given up his own racing career after that injury, would finally see one of his children living out the dream he had once held so dear.

But there was one catch he wasn't going to stay in Oklahoma. He would have to leave.

The academy's headquarters weren't located in the United States. No, Henry would have to move halfway across the world, to the heart of Europe, to Italy, where the F1 Academy had its primary training facility.

It would be a huge step. Leaving everything he knew behind. The familiar faces, the routines, the comfort of home. But it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. His future, his family's future was worth it.

The car ride home felt different than usual. There was a tension in the air as Henry stared out the window, watching the familiar landscape of Oklahoma blur past him. His family didn't know about his spot at the F1 Academy. He hadn't told them yet. But today, that would change. Today, everything was going to shift.

As he pulled into the driveway, Henry's heart raced. His family was inside, just like every other day. His mom was probably preparing dinner, and his dad was likely sprawled out on the couch, lost in his own thoughts. His sister, Emily, would be somewhere in her room, no doubt glued to her phone.

He took a deep breath and opened the car door, stepping into the cool evening air.

When he walked inside, the familiar scents of his mom's cooking filled the house, and Emily's laughter echoed from the living room. It felt like a normal evening, a normal evening that would soon be turned upside down.

"Hey, Henry!" Emily called, her voice bubbly as always. She was the younger sibling, five years younger than him, and full of energy. She ran over and gave him a quick hug. "How was practice today? You look all serious and tired."

Henry chuckled. "It was fine. Just another day of hard work." He glanced at his mom, who was stirring something on the stove. "Mom, you've got a minute?"

His mom looked over, her face lighting up as she saw him. "Of course, honey. Come on, sit down. I'll have dinner ready soon."

Henry smiled, but his stomach churned. It wasn't easy to tell them what he had to say.

"So," his mom said, "how's everything going at the academy? They treating you well?"

Henry hesitated for a moment before taking a seat at the kitchen table. "It's going great, actually. I've been training harder than ever." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "And, well, I have some news."

His mom stopped what she was doing and turned to face him. Her eyes softened, and she smiled warmly, always so supportive, even when they had nothing. "What's the news, sweetie?"

Henry took another deep breath. This was it. He couldn't keep it from her any longer.

"I made it into the F1 Academy," he said, his voice filled with a quiet pride.

His mom blinked, her expression frozen for a moment, as if processing what he had just said. Then her face broke into a huge smile, and she rushed over to him, enveloping him in a tight hug.

"You made it?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "Oh, Henry, I'm so proud of you."

Henry grinned, hugging her back. "There's more, though."

His mom pulled away, eyes wide with curiosity.

"I uh…" Henry shifted in his seat, trying to gather his thoughts. "I have to leave. The academy's headquarters is in Italy. It's a huge opportunity, but I'll be moving to Europe to train there. It's the only way to really make it."

His mom's expression faltered for a moment, as if she hadn't quite expected that. The reality of her son moving across the world began to sink in.

"You'll be gone?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Henry nodded, trying to read her emotions. It was hard to tell if she was excited for him or worried about the distance. But he knew it was the right decision.

"I'll be fine, Mom," he reassured her. "I'll still be in touch, and I'll come back whenever I can. This is my chance, and I have to take it."

His mom bit her lip, but then her face softened. "I just don't know what to say. I'm so proud of you, Henry. But…" She sighed, glancing at his father, who had remained quiet on the couch, his eyes slightly downcast.

Henry followed his mom's gaze. His father hadn't said a word. It was no surprise, his father had always been quiet since the accident that ended his racing career. The injury had taken so much from him, and it had been hard for him to watch Henry chase the same dream.

Henry stood up and walked over to his father, who was sitting in the dimly lit living room, his hands resting on his lap.

"I'm going, Dad," Henry said gently. "The academy wants me. It's my shot to make it."

His father looked up at him, his eyes tired but filled with pride. For a long moment, there was silence. Then, finally, his father spoke.

"Then go, son," he said softly. "Don't waste it."

Henry's heart swelled at the words. His father, who had once been a driver himself, had always been his greatest supporter, even if his dreams had ended in a crash.

Henry nodded. "I will, Dad. I'll make it count. I promise."

The evening passed quietly, filled with laughter and love, but also a bittersweet feeling hanging in the air. Henry knew what this decision meant for his family. His mother was proud, but she was scared. His father, though quiet, was supportive. And Emily, his little sister, would miss him more than anyone.

But there was no going back. This was his dream, and he had to chase it, no matter the cost.

The next few days would be a whirlwind of packing, paperwork, and farewells. He would soon be on a plane to Italy, leaving behind the only life he had ever known. But this was just the beginning.

The road to the top would be long and difficult, but Henry was ready. For his family, for his father, and for himself.

The journey had only just begun.